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Robbie Brady to face no FIFA punishment over alleged headbutt

Last Updated: 13/10/17 4:37pm

Robbie Brady has been cleared to play in Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off

Republic of Ireland midfielder Robbie Brady will face no further action from FIFA after the governing body looked into an incident involving him and Wales defender Ashley Williams during their must-win World Cup qualifier.

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that they had begun an investigation into whether Brady had thrown a headbutt in the direction of the Everton defender's back in the 61st minute of Monday's 1-0 victory in Cardiff, after the incident was missed by referee Damir Skomina

The news will provide a huge boost to Martin O'Neill, who faced losing the Burnley player for the first leg of next month's World Cup play-off.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Robbie Brady will face no further action from FIFA

Republic of Ireland midfielder Robbie Brady will face no further action from FIFA

Ireland will definitely be without stand-in skipper David Meyler for the first leg of their play-off, which is due to take place between November 9 and 11, while Jon Walters is doubtful through injury and Seamus Coleman has not featured since March after suffering a broken leg against Chris Coleman's side in March.

Meyler was booked in injury-time for a challenge on Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey which saw the Hull midfielder pick up his second yellow card of the World Cup Qualifiers which earns him an automatic one-match suspension.

The draw for the World Cup play-offs takes place on October 17 with O'Neill's side either facing Switzerland, Italy, Croatia or Denmark.